THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Up in arms
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Very angry or upset about something, often expressing that reaction strongly.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The club members were up in arms about the unexplained cancellation.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The club members were ________ about the unexplained cancellation.
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Up in arms — Very angry or upset about something, often expressing that reaction strongly.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Up in arms” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Very angry or upset about something, often expressing that reaction strongly.
Compare: The club members were up in arms about the unexplained cancellation.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression when describing a strong objection or angry reaction. It is more forceful than mildly unhappy, so make sure the description fits.
More examples in context
- Parents were up in arms when the promised transport was withdrawn without notice.
- Several students were up in arms over the sudden change to the competition rules.
Usage note
Use be up in arms about or over something. Arms stays plural. In these figurative examples, the phrase describes anger and does not mean the people are carrying weapons.
A short conversation
A: Why are the members so upset?
B: They are up in arms about the last-minute cancellation.
A: The organiser needs to explain what happened.
One more practice question
How do people described as up in arms feel?
A. Very angry or upset about an issue.
B. Only slightly curious with no objection.
Check your answer
A. The expression emphasises a strong angry reaction.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.